The mingling of all origins in chaos, this is the Way (Dao)of the Supreme Principle. The localization following upon the diversity of species, this is the classification into categories, Differentiation of forms and of phenomena is the essential basis for the existence of all creatures. The alternation of the influences is the origin of orderliness (li). While the various species are established by classification, their natural disposition inclines that way. The inclination is not sufficient in itself; that is why it depends on external matter. Thus whatever might be regarded as reason in life itself is called orderliness. The substance (ti)of orderliness is called existence (you). That on which existence depends is called matter (zi) . . .

Hu loved natural scenery. Whenever the weather was fine, he would visit Mount Hsien, where he had wine served and poetry recited, without tiring all day long. Once he heaved a deep sigh, looked at his followers--Tsou Chan and others--and said to them: “From the beginning of the world, this mountain has always been here. All along, worthy and outstanding men have climbed up here to enjoy the distant view. There have been many like you and me, who have perished without leaving a reputation behind. This makes one sad. If a hundred years from now there are conscious souls, they are still bound to climb up here.” Chan said: “Your virtue caps all within the four seas, in your conduct you are the heir of former sages. Your noble reputation, your noble fame will surely be preserved together with this mountain. As for the rest of us, it will be as you have said.”